Hinrich remains doubtful for Game 6

Kirk Hinrich ditched the walking boot he wore in New York to protect his severely bruised left calf. The pessimism surrounding his chances to play in Thursday's Game 6 remains.

"I'd have to improve some definitely," Hinrich said. "I'm taking it day-to-day and trying to throw everything at it (treatment-wise) to try to improve it as quickly as possible."

Hinrich didn't practice Wednesday and limped to a podium to address reporters. He said his swelling has decreased some but remains throughout his lower leg.

"I'm still walking very gingerly," Hinrich said. "I haven't tried to run or cut or jump or anything yet. I'm hoping it improves a lot. ... It's just one of those things where I took a good shot and it's preventing me from moving very well."

Hinrich, who suffered the injury taking a charge from Deron Williams, said sitting out is "brutal." Coach Tom Thibodeau wouldn't say who would start in the likely scenario of Hinrich sitting. Nate Robinson made his first career playoff start in Game 5 and finished with 20 points, eight assists and three turnovers but struggled to limit Williams' penetration.

"Deron is a tough cover," Hinrich said. "He's one of the best there is in the league."

Break it up: The Nets enjoyed a 21-9 edge in fast-break points in Game 5. Thibodeau pointedly said that's not simply because the Nets were potent in transition.

"You can't allow the frustration of something not going your way to impact the next play," Thibodeau said. "If something's not perfect or a call is missed, you can't afford to make your point to an official during a live ball. There's an appropriate time to make your point. But you have to get back and move onto the next play and be ready to go.

"That's the challenge. Games are emotional, but you have to keep your concentration, you have to maintain discipline and you have to stay within the team concept."

Heavy hardware: Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association to the player, coach or trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Luol Deng and former Bull Kyle Korver were finalists.

"Kenneth's commitment to equality and inclusion is praise-worthy," said Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, president of the PBWA.